Did Praggnanandhaa Overcome a Major Challenge in the FIDE World Cup 2025?
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Synopsis
In an electrifying Round 4 of the FIDE World Cup 2025 held in Panaji, Goa, Grandmasters Arjun Erigaisi, Karthik Venkataraman, and P. Harikrishna faced tough opponents. Meanwhile, Praggnanandhaa managed to navigate a tricky situation against Daniil Dubov, resulting in a tense draw. Discover the highlights and critical moments from this thrilling chess showdown.
Key Takeaways
- Grandmasters Arjun Erigaisi, Karthik Venkataraman, and P. Harikrishna all drew their matches.
- R. Praggnanandhaa faced a challenging game but secured a draw.
- Peter Leko's experience played a crucial role in his match against Erigaisi.
- Time management proved vital in Praggnanandhaa's match.
- Overall, the Round 4 showcased high-stakes chess encounters.
Panaji, Nov 11 (NationPress) Grandmaster (GM) Arjun Erigaisi, GM Karthik Venkataraman, and GM P. Harikrishna shared points while playing with black pieces, as R. Praggnanandhaa narrowly escaped defeat with white against GM Daniil Dubov during the initial game of Round 4 in the FIDE World Cup 2025 held in Panaji, Goa, on Tuesday.
Second seed Arjun Erigaisi quickly reached a 20-move draw against the seasoned Hungarian GM Peter Leko, while Harikrishna managed to draw against Swedish GM Nils Grandelius in 32 moves and Karthik had a 36-move draw with GM Le Quang Liem from Vietnam.
In other matches, two-time World Cup champion GM Levon Aronian defeated GM Radoslaw Wojtaszek in 37 moves with white pieces, and GM Jose Eduardo Martinez Alcantara outperformed GM Alexey Sarana in 39 moves playing with black.
The 46-year-old Leko, returning to individual competition after a six-year hiatus, opted for a draw by repetition due to Arjun’s rook controlling the 'a' file. He now faces a crucial game with black to maintain his impressive form, while the Indian player aims for a win to advance to the pre-quarterfinals.
“It was a very interesting game. Arjun surprised me significantly. I knew the lines but didn't analyze them deeply. With time running low, I settled for a draw,” Leko commented, expressing his preference for playing with black and his intention to strive for victory.
On one of the top boards, Praggnanandhaa erred by advancing his d-pawn on the 14th move and faced time pressure until Dubov missed a crucial move that could have given him the upper hand. Ultimately, both players agreed to a draw after 41 moves.
Results from India: (Round 4, Game 1)
GM Peter Leko (HUN) drew with GM Arjun Erigaisi 0.5:0.5
GM R Praggnanandhaa drew with GM Daniil Dubov (FID) 0.5:0.5
GM Nils Grandelius (SWE) drew with GM P Harikrishna 0.5:0.5
GM Le Quang Liem (VIE) drew with GM Karthik Venkataraman 0.5:0.5
Point of View
I emphasize that the FIDE World Cup 2025 exemplifies the resilience and skill of Indian chess players. Their performances reflect not only individual prowess but also the growing stature of Indian chess on the global stage. With a commitment to excellence, we remain dedicated to bringing you the latest updates and insights from this prestigious event.
NationPress
12/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Who were the Indian players in Round 4 of the FIDE World Cup 2025?
The Indian players were GM Arjun Erigaisi, GM Karthik Venkataraman, GM P. Harikrishna, and R. Praggnanandhaa.
What were the results of the games played in Round 4?
All Indian players drew their games: Arjun Erigaisi vs. Peter Leko, Praggnanandhaa vs. Daniil Dubov, Harikrishna vs. Nils Grandelius, and Karthik Venkataraman vs. Le Quang Liem.
Where is the FIDE World Cup 2025 being held?
The FIDE World Cup 2025 is being held in Panaji, Goa, India.
What was significant about Leko's draw with Erigaisi?
Peter Leko opted for a draw by repetition against Arjun Erigaisi to avoid risks, especially with Arjun's rook controlling the 'a' file.
How did Praggnanandhaa perform in his game?
Praggnanandhaa survived a tense situation against Daniil Dubov, ultimately agreeing to a draw after 41 moves.
